Selena Gomez is no stranger to the spotlight, whether for her chart-topping hits, popular TV roles, or successful beauty brand. Recently, however, she found herself at the center of a different kind of attention. This time, it wasn’t for her music or business ventures—it was for a small act of kindness that sparked an unexpected wave of criticism. After giving $20 to a homeless man in New York City, some social media users called out the amount she chose to donate. However, her loyal fans quickly rallied to defend the pop star, emphasizing that generosity shouldn’t be measured by numbers alone.
Selena Gomez’s Generosity in NYC: What Happened?
On October 15, 32-year-old Selena Gomez was spotted at Nobu Fifty-Seven, a high-end restaurant in New York City. As she was leaving, the “Only Murders in the Building” actress graciously stopped to take photos and sign autographs for fans who had gathered outside. But it was another interaction that caught the attention of many—a brief encounter with a homeless man.
In a video obtained by TMZ, Gomez can be seen asking her bodyguard if he had any cash on him. He handed her $20, which she then passed to the man, adding a heartfelt “Have a good meal” before continuing on her way. While it was a simple act of kindness, it was enough to spark a debate online about the size of the donation, especially considering Gomez’s considerable wealth.
Social Media Criticism: Is $20 Enough?
Following the release of the video, some social media users were quick to criticize Gomez’s decision to give “only” $20. Many pointed out her billionaire status, suggesting that she could have easily given more.
Comments like “So much money and only $20?” and “That’s like a penny split into 100 parts for her” spread rapidly across various platforms. Some even sarcastically remarked, “Just $20? I mean, nice gesture, but $20 doesn’t buy much these days.”
While the criticism focused on the numerical value of Gomez’s donation, it’s worth considering the broader context: Was it fair to criticize her for giving what she could in that moment? Is generosity defined solely by the amount given?
Fans Defend Selena Gomez: Generosity Goes Beyond Dollars
As the criticism gained traction, Gomez’s devoted fanbase—known as the Selenators—immediately came to her defense. They were quick to point out several important factors often overlooked in the backlash:
- Cashless Society: “How many of us even carry cash anymore?” one fan wrote. With digital payments becoming the norm, it’s possible Gomez simply didn’t have any cash on her, which explains why she had to ask her bodyguard.
- Spontaneous Act: Another fan added, “She didn’t plan this interaction—it was spontaneous. How can anyone judge her for trying to help in the moment?”
- Do Critics Donate? A particularly pointed comment from another supporter read, “Before y’all comment, how much did you give the homeless guy?” This remark highlighted the hypocrisy often found in online criticism, where people are quick to judge others without reflecting on their own charitable actions.
The overwhelming response from her fans underscored a central message: any act of kindness, regardless of size, should be valued. The discussion soon evolved into a broader conversation about empathy, generosity, and the judgment celebrities face when their private actions become public.
Selena Gomez’s Rise to Wealth: From Disney Star to Billionaire
As the discussion continued, it was inevitable that Selena’s billionaire status came under scrutiny. Recently, Gomez was added to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, thanks to the success of her beauty brand Rare Beauty, which has been valued at over $1.3 billion. This assessment includes her stake in Rare Beauty, her involvement in the mental health platform Wondermind, album sales, streaming royalties, real estate holdings, and other ventures.
Despite her wealth, Gomez has always been clear about her discomfort when discussing money. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she described the topic as “distasteful,” emphasizing that the success of Rare Beauty is due to the people who believe in the products. “I’m very grateful,” she remarked. “The credit goes to those who support the brand. They’re the ones who made my dream come true.”
The Pressure on Celebrities to Donate More: A Fair Expectation?
The backlash against Gomez also sheds light on a larger issue: the expectation placed on celebrities to donate large sums of money whenever they engage in acts of charity. While it’s true that public figures have a certain level of influence and resources, is it fair to demand that their generosity always align with their net worth?
For celebrities like Gomez, public scrutiny is unavoidable, even when their intentions are purely kind-hearted. The challenge, however, lies in the tendency for acts of kindness to be judged not by their impact but by their monetary value. This can discourage people—famous or not—from making spontaneous donations out of fear that they might be criticized for “not doing enough.”
Selena Gomez’s History of Philanthropy: More Than Just a Moment
selena gomez giving a homeless man some money and saying "have a good meal" she's so 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Mht1BCdkhJ
— . (@selovelenaa) October 16, 2024
It’s essential to remember that Selena Gomez’s generosity extends far beyond a $20 donation on the streets of New York. Over the years, she has actively participated in numerous philanthropic initiatives:
- Rare Impact Fund: As part of Rare Beauty’s mission, Gomez established the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to raise $100 million over the next decade to expand access to mental health services. A portion of all product sales goes toward this cause.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Gomez has been vocal about her own mental health struggles and has used her platform to raise awareness, break stigmas, and promote accessible resources for those in need.
- COVID-19 Relief: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she made significant contributions to relief efforts, including donations to hospitals and organizations working to support frontline workers.
These examples highlight that Gomez’s dedication to giving back goes far beyond a single encounter on a New York street.
Conclusion: Kindness Shouldn’t Be Measured by Numbers
Selena Gomez’s interaction with a homeless man may have sparked controversy, but it also brought an important discussion to light. In a world where celebrities are constantly scrutinized, it’s easy to forget that any act of kindness, big or small, has the power to make a difference.
Whether it’s $20 or $200, what truly matters is the willingness to help another human being in need. In Gomez’s case, she acted spontaneously in a moment where she saw someone struggling—something we all have the capacity to do.
As her fans aptly pointed out, the question isn’t how much someone gives but rather the fact that they chose to give at all. And perhaps, that’s the lesson we should all take away from this story. Generosity, at its core, is about empathy and compassion—values that can’t be quantified by dollar amounts.
